Liquid concentrate/extract beverage dispenser with replaceable concentrate/extract cartridge

ABSTRACT

A concentrate/extract cartridge for dispensing a liquid concentrate/extract is provided. The cartridge includes a hollow body and a dispensing tube that contains a pumping device. The cartridge includes a valve having a valve stem that passes through a port of a valve seat connected to the dispensing tube. A piston is located at a first end of the valve stem and a valve body is located at a second end of the valve stem in removable contact with the valve seat for alternately opening and closing the port. The piston can also includes a membrane positioned on a side facing the valve stem configured to permit a flow of fluid into the dispensing tube when the valve body is in contact with the valve seat and to permit the fluid to be forcibly expressed from the dispensing tube when the valve body is moved from its contact position. A liquid dispenser suitable for numerous applications, having a removably insertable concentrate/extract cartridge and a method of dispensing a liquid are also provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International ApplicationPCT/US2006/042878 filed Nov. 2, 2006, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 11/266,695 filed Nov. 3, 2005; a non-provisional ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 60/794,777 filed Apr. 25, 2006; and anon-provisional of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/845,310 filedSep. 18, 2006, all which are incorporated by reference as if fully setforth.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a concentrate/extract cartridge for abeverage dispenser for dispensing a liquid concentrate/extract and adiluent. In a broader sense, the invention also provides aconcentrate/extract pump and dispensing system that can be utilized in anumber of different dispensing applications, with or without a diluent.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to dispensingsystems which dispense fluids in an exact metered fashion. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to dispensing systems used byconsumers for completing a variety of tasks to increase efficiency.

Beverage dispensers are known for making a beverage from a liquidconcentrate/extract. In one known prior art reference, a pressurizedliquid canister of liquid beverage concentrate/extract is placed withina pitcher-shaped device having a mechanism for releasing a predeterminedamount of liquid concentrate/extract from the pressurized canister intoa beverage mixing chamber. A heated liquid reservoir is located at thebottom of the vessel and heated liquid is also forced upwardly into themixing chamber where the mixed beverage is formed in the device prior tobeing poured. This device has several drawbacks due to the complexnature of the dispensing mechanism and the need to clean out the mixingchamber in the device after each use. It is also known to provide acoffee machine for use with shelf-stable liquid coffeeconcentrate/extract. The liquid coffee concentrate/extract is pouredinto a reservoir in the coffee maker and a predetermined amount of theconcentrate/extract is moved from the reservoir to the brewing chamber,where it is mixed with heated water prior to being dispensed into acarafe. While this device overcomes the need for coffee filters andground coffee and allows the use of a shelf-stable liquid coffeeconcentrate/extract, the entire machine must be cleaned after use, dueto the fact that the coffee concentrate/extract is poured into thecoffee machine prior to being delivered to a brewing chamber in themachine. Additionally, it is not possible to switch the type of beveragebeing dispensed in an easy and convenient manner.

Another problem with many known beverage dispensers which combineconcentrate/extract and water is a poor mixing of theconcentrate/extract and water. Such known dispensers often dispense astream of concentrate/extract and water which is not adequately mixed,and accordingly, lacking homogeneity. Complete mixing does not takeplace until the fluids enter a user's cup. Many users consider a streamof non-homogeneous beverage to be visually unappealing and indicative ofa lack of quality of the beverage dispenser or beverage being dispensed.An unmixed stream of concentrate/extract and water dispensed by abeverage dispenser is sometimes identified by the trade term “striping”or as the “zebra effect”.

It has also been suggested to provide a beverage system for brewing abeverage from a dry beverage material and a source of hot, pressurizedwater. The beverage material is provided in a sealed cartridge and thedispenser pierces the sealed cartridge and injects hot, pressurizedwater into the cartridge to brew the beverage from the beveragematerial. A carousel device may be provided, which allows a user toselect from one of several different beverage cartridges. However, adrawback of this device is that residue from a previous beverage willremain in the hot, pressurized water-injecting area as well as in thedownstream collection funnel, which directs the beverage into a user'scup. Further, in the case of typical beverage systems of this type forproducing hot coffee drinks, dry coffee material including instant,non-brewed coffee product is provided. Such non-brewed coffee producttypically produces coffee beverages which to at least some extent lackthe distinct flavor of brewed coffee.

It would be desirable to provide a more convenient and easy way to mixand dispense multiple types of beverages from a single-beveragedispenser in a convenient and user friendly manner, and also without theneed for cleaning the dispenser when a user wishes to change the type ofbeverage being dispensed. It would also be desirable to allow a user toselect a beverage strength from a number of different selections so thata user's preference can be satisfied. It would also be desirable toprovide a beverage dispenser that allows a user to dispense an exactdesired amount of beverage and that does not waste excess beverageconcentrate/extract in a user's container or in the dispenser itself. Itwould be further desirable to allow a user to select from multiplebeverage types and to select from multiple beverage container sizes,such as coffee mugs or disposable cups having different sizes whilestill providing the beverage at a desired strength. Further, it would bedesirable to provide a beverage dispenser which dispenses a mixture ofconcentrate/extract and water or other diluent which is well-mixed andhomogeneous prior to entering a user's container.

Additionally other consumable products such as baby formulas,detergents, and medicines are often cumbersome to mix and/or dispense inproper amounts, and require appreciable amounts of storage space. Itwould be desirable to provide a system which allows for the dispensingof liquid consumable products in a manageable and convenient manner fora number of different applications. It would also be desirable to allowa user to select a concentration or strength from a number of differentselections so that a specific need or user's preference can besatisfied. It would also be desirable to provide a dispenser that allowsa user to dispense an exact desired amount of product and that does notwaste excess concentrate/extract in a user's container or in thedispenser itself. It would be further desirable to allow a user toselect from multiple product types and to select from multiple containersizes, while still providing a product at a desired strength. Further,it would be desirable to provide a dispenser which dispenses a mixtureof concentrate/extract and water or other diluent which is well-mixedand homogeneous prior to entering a container.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a concentrate/extract cartridge for adispenser for dispensing a liquid concentrate/extract and a diluent. Thecartridge includes a hollow body and a dispensing tube connected to thehollow body. A piston is slideably contained by an interior surface ofthe dispensing tube. The cartridge includes a valve having a valve stemthat passes through a port of a valve seat connected to the dispensingtube. The port defines a flow passage through the dispensing tube. Thevalve stem is provided with a valve body located at a second end of thevalve stem, the valve body being in removable contact with the valveseat for alternately opening and closing the port. A piston is alsoprovided. In a preferred embodiment, the piston is connected to a firstend of the valve stem and includes a membrane positioned on a sidefacing the valve stem. The membrane is configured to permit a flow offluid into the dispensing tube when the valve body is in contact withthe valve seat and to permit the fluid to be forcibly expressed from thedispensing tube when the piston is moved downwardly and the valve bodyis moved from its contact position with the valve seat.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a liquid dispensingsystem which uses a removably insertable concentrate/extract cartridge.The liquid dispensing system includes a housing with a cartridgereceiving area, and a dispensing actuator located in the housing. Acartridge which includes a dispensing aperture is positioned in thereceiving area to dispense the liquid into a dispensing area. Acontroller is located in the housing to control the actuator todischarge the liquid from the cartridge into the dispensing area. Thisliquid dispenser can be used in various dispensing applications,including bottle office-style hot/cold water dispensers, a baby formuladispenser, a medicine dispenser, dish washers, washing machines, andhome and commercial refrigerators.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described belowwith reference to the drawing figures where like numerals represent likeelements throughout.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a concentrate/extract cartridge in aliquid dispenser.

FIG. 2 is a left side perspective view of a beverage dispenser of FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the dispenser with the access door forthe concentrate/extract cartridge opened for insertion or removal of thecartridge.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a right side perspective view of the beverage dispenser ofFIG. 5 with the housing removed.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the beverage dispenser of FIG. 5with the housing removed.

FIG. 7 is top plan view of the beverage dispenser of FIG. 5 with thehousing removed.

FIG. 8 is a left side elevational view of the beverage dispenser of FIG.5 with the housing removed.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view showing a first embodiment of the pumpdevice of the cartridge located in a dispensing actuator shown in aclosed position.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the pump device and dispensingactuator of FIG. 9 shown in an open position.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the pump device and dispensingactuator of the dispenser of FIG. 9, the pump device and dispensingactuator shown in the closed position.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the pump device of the beveragedispenser of FIG. 9 showing a top end of the pump device.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the pump device of the beveragedispenser of FIG. 9 showing a bottom end of the pump device.

FIGS. 14-15 are cross-sectional views of a second embodiment of pumpdevice for the cartridge liquid dispenser according to a secondpreferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in a dispensingactuator.

FIGS. 16-17 are cross-sectional views of third pump device for thecartridge liquid dispenser according to a third preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, shown in a dispensing actuator.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of aconcentrate/extract pump device for use in a beverage dispenseraccording to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the pump device of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is an elevational view of the pump device of FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view of a concentrate/extract cartridge accordingto the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention beingassembled.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth pump device for aconcentrate/extract cartridge for use in a liquid dispenser according tothe invention.

FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view of the concentrate/extract cartridgebeing assembled by inserting the pump device into the socket in theconcentrate container.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a dispensing assembly according to asixth preferred embodiment with a loading door in an open position, thecartridge in a cartridge receiving area.

FIG. 25 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the cartridgereceiving area of FIG. 24 showing the pump mechanism inserted in theactivator body.

FIGS. 26-28 are left side perspective views of a dispensing assemblyincorporated in a dishwasher according to a seventh preferred embodimentof the present invention.

FIGS. 29-31 are perspective views of a plurality of dispensingassemblies incorporated into a clothes washer according to a eighthpreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 32-33 are perspective views of a dispensing assembly incorporatedinto a medicine dispenser according to an ninth preferred embodiment ofthe present invention

FIGS. 34-35 are perspective views of a dispensing assembly incorporatedinto a bottle-fed beverage dispenser according to a tenth preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a liquid dispenser with aconcentrate/extract cartridge incorporated into a refrigerator accordingto eleventh preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a top plan view of a concentrate/extract cartridge carouselincluded with the home appliance of FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is a partial front elevational view of the home appliance ofFIG. 36.

FIGS. 39-40 are perspective views of a dispensing assembly incorporatedinto a bottle-fed beverage dispenser according to a twelfth preferredembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not considered limiting. Words such as “front”, “back”,“top” and “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to whichreference is made. This terminology includes the words specificallynoted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.Additionally, the terms “a” and “one” are defined as including one ormore of the referenced item unless specifically noted. The phrase “atleast one” followed by a list of two or more items, such as “A, B, orC,” means any individual one of A, B or C as well as any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 1-4, show a beverage dispenser 10 for use with a liquid/extractcartridge 50, adapted to dispense a beverage comprising a liquid extract(designated by arrows 12 in a dispensing area 30 in FIG. 2) and adiluent 14 (in a reservoir 22 and designated by arrows 14 in FIG. 2) isprovided. The dispenser 10 functions in a manner similar to Applicant'sprior dispenser. For use with warm beverages the diluent reservoir 22may be heated by a heating element.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, preferably a reservoir supply line 16 isconnected to the reservoir 22 and delivers the diluent 14 to thedispensing area. The supply line 16 is preferably connected to a controlvalve 18 that can dispense water from the reservoir to the dispensingarea at varying rates. The control valve 18 is preferably a solenoiddriven pinch valve, as shown; however, any suitable control valve can beused. Alternatively, the supply line 16 could be connected to a pump foremptying diluent 14 from the reservoir 22. Preferably, as shown in FIGS.5-7, a level sensor 88 is connected to the reservoir 22 which can beused by a controller 80 to determine diluent flow rate information. Thelevel sensor 88 can be a float 94 arrangement that either provides thelevel information directly, for example by a lever attached to the float94, or indirectly, such as by the float 94 being magnetic and trippingmagnetic switches set at different levels on the outside of thereservoir 22, or by any other suitable means. This information ispreferably used by the controller 80 to adjust a rate of actuation of adispensing actuator 38, as described below, to dispense a desired amountof concentrate/extract 12 relative to an amount of dispensed diluent 14.Alternatively, based on the diluent flow rate information received, thecontroller 80 can control the control valve 18, or alternatively adiluent discharge pump, permitting discharge of an appropriate amount ofdiluent 14 relative to an amount of dispensed concentrate/extract 12. Asan alternative to the level sensor, a flow rate sensor could be providedin the supply line 16 in order to measure flow rate information.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5-7, the concentrate extract cartridge 50includes a hollow body 51 for containing the liquid concentrate/extract12. The hollow body 51 is preferably collapsible and fabricated from aflexible laminate sheet including layers of one or more of polyethylene,polyester, and metallic foil. Alternatively, other suitable materialscan be used to create the flexible laminate sheet. A spout connector 52is preferably sealably connected to the hollow body 51. An inner layerof the hollow body 51 preferably includes features, such as sealingareas, which contact and align with cooperating features on theconnector 52. During assembly, heat and pressure is applied for apredetermined period of time to the area where the hollow body 51 andthe connector 52 are in contact, sealably connecting the hollow body 51to the connector 52. Preferably, the inner layer of the hollow body 51and the connector 52 are made of the same material, for examplepolyethylene, or otherwise made of compatible materials, so that whenheat and/or pressure are applied, the hollow body 51 and connector 52are sealed together. Alternatively, the connector 52 can be adhered tothe hollow body 51 using any suitable adhesive and/or adhering method.

A pump device, such as the device 41 in FIG. 1, is connected to thespout connector 52. The pump device is preferably adhered ormechanically fastened to the spout connector 52. Alternatively, the pumpdevice 41 can be integrally formed with the spout connector 52.Referring to the FIGS. 9-13, a first embodiment of the pump device 41 isshown in detail and includes an axially resilient dispensing tube 54connected to a cap 75 which preferably provides the connection to thespout connector 52. The dispensing tube 54 may be fabricated from asingle piece or multiple pieces connected together as shown. The cap 75includes apertures 78 which allow liquid concentrate/extract 12 to passfrom the hollow body 51 into the axially resilient dispensing tube 54.The dispensing tube 54 includes accordion-like top and bottom flexingmembers 82, 84 which permit volumetric adjustment of top and bottomchambers 72, 74 of the pump device 41. A valve 60 is formed by a centerportion of the resilient tube which has an increased wall thickness sothat it acts like a piston and which includes having a port 83 forpassing a flow of fluid concentrate/extract 12 therethrough that ends ata valve seat 67. A valve stem 63 preferably having an integrally formedvalve body 64 for alternately covering and uncovering the port 83 in thevalve seat 67 extends through the valve body 64 and is connected to anend cap 57 at a first end thereof and connected to the top cap 75 at asecond end thereof. The end cap 57 is preferably rigidly connected to anend of the dispensing tube 54. The end cap 57 includes through apertures56, for passing a flow of the liquid concentrate/extract 12 out of thepump device 41. A spring 65 is preferably provided to bias the topflexing member 82 toward an extended position closing the valve seat 67with the valve body 64 and resulting in the maximization of the volumeof the top chamber 72 absent an application of external force.Alternatively, the spring 65 can be omitted and the flexing member 82can be configured to provide sufficient resilience to maximize thevolume of the top chamber 72.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 5-6 and 10, a dispensing actuator 38 is fixedwithin the cartridge receiving area 31 and includes an opening 40 forreceiving the pump device 41 of the cartridge 50 therein. The dispensingactuator 38 also includes an electromagnet 76 which preferably comprisesa wound coil or solenoid arrangement. The wound coil or solenoid caninclude one or more focusing rings located inside the coil to focus themagnetic flux generated.

In one embodiment for use with the first cartridge 50, a slidingferromagnetic sleeve 58 is preferably concentrically aligned with theelectromagnet 76. Preferably, a ferromagnetic stop member 59 isconnected to the dispensing actuator 38 limiting the motion of thesliding sleeve 58 and channeling magnetic flux produced by theelectromagnet 76. The ferromagnetic sleeve 58 includes a circumferentialprotrusion 62. When the cartridge 50 is in an installed position in thereceiving area 31, bearing members 66 on the center portion of theresilient tube contact the circumferential protrusion 62 of the slidingferromagnetic sleeve 58.

The electromagnet 76 receives current, such as alternating or directcurrent, from the controller 80. In a preferred embodiment, thecontroller 80 intermittently provides 24 volts over the coil to producean intermittent direct current which induces an intermittent magneticfield.

The cartridge 50 dispenses the liquid concentrate/extract 12 as follows.Current is induced in the wound coil by an applied voltage, preferably24 volts over the electromagnet 76 as provided by the controller.Alternatively, the controller can provide other suitable voltages forproducing alternating or direct current. The application of voltagecauses the ferromagnetic sleeve 58 to be drawn from the position shownin FIGS. 9 and 11 toward the electromagnetic center of the electromagnet76 and against the stop member 59 as shown in FIG. 10. The centerposition of the tube 54 having the valve seat 67 follows in an upwardmotion with the ferromagnetic sleeve, displacing the valve seat 67 fromthe valve body 64 while compressing the top flexing member 82 andextending the bottom flexing member 84, as shown in FIG. 10. During theupward motion of the ferromagnetic sleeve 58, liquid concentrate/extractin the top chamber 72 is forced through the port 83, as it is uncoveredby the valve body 64, and into the bottom chamber 74 of the dispensingtube 54. Next, the controller cuts off voltage to the actuator 38,allowing the ferromagnetic sleeve 58 to move downwardly away from thestop member 59 by force of the spring 65 and gravity, forcing the valveseat 67 against the valve body 64, while extending the top flexingmember 82 and compressing the bottom flexing member 84. During downwardmotion of the ferromagnetic sleeve 58, the bottom chamber 74 decreasesin volume and fluid concentrate/extract in the bottom chamber is forcedthrough the apertures 56 and out of the pump device 41, while at thesame time, fluid concentrate/extract 12 from the hollow body 51 is drawninto the top chamber 72 through the cap apertures 78. The hollow body 51is preferably collapsible and collapses to facilitate the extraction offluid concentrate/extract 12 from the hollow body. A voltage, such asthe preferred 24V DC producing voltage, or other suitable AC or DCproducing voltage, is cycled on and off to provide an intermittentcurrent for repeating the above-described process continuously until adesired amount of the liquid concentrate/extract 12 is dispensed.Alternatively, other types of actuators can be used to act against thecircumferential protrusion 62 to compress the flexing member 82.

As shown in FIGS. 1-8, a trigger 46 is provided, which when pressedsignals the controller 80 to provide an intermittent current to theelectromagnet 76 to initiate the dispensing of the liquidconcentrate/extract 12 from the cartridge 50. Referring to FIG. 1, fluidconcentrate/extract 12 dispensed from the cartridge 50 preferably entersa joining tube 17 fixed within the cartridge receiving area 31. At thesame time, the controller opens the diluent control valve 18 to transferliquid diluent 14 from the reservoir 22 through the diluent supply line16 into the joining tube 17. A stream of diluent 14 is preferablydispensed generally into the discharge of the concentrate/extract 12 inclose proximity to the dispensing tube 54. In this manner, a uniform andsubstantially homogenous mixture of concentrate/extract 12 and diluent14 exits the joining tube 17 into the dispensing area 30. Thisconfiguration is useful to prevent dispensing of poorly mixedconcentrate/extract, known to those skilled in the art as “striping” orthe “zebra effect”. Most preferably, the diluent 14 is dispensedgenerally perpendicular to the discharge of the concentrate/extract 12as shown to increase mixing.

Preferably, the controller 80 continues to dispense diluent 14 for ashort period of time after stopping the dispensing of theconcentrate/extract 12 in order to clean the joining tube 17 of residualconcentrate/extract 12. Alternatively, the joining tube 17 can beomitted, and the supply line 16 and the dispensing tube 54 of thecartridge 50 are directed such that during dispensing, a stream ofdischarged concentrate/extract 12 enters a stream of discharged diluent14 to promote mixing.

Referring to FIGS. 4-8, touch pad input controls 90, preferablyincluding buttons 93 and switches 95, are provided to vary the strengthof the beverage allowing a user to select a desired strength of thebeverage. Visual indicators such as LEDs 92 indicate a selected beveragestrength. Preferably, the buttons 93 are light pipes, as shown, forchanneling light from the LEDs 92. Visual indicators such as LEDs 97 aproject light through light guides 99 a to indicate the amount ofconcentrate/extract 12 remaining. Visual indicators such as LEDs 97 bproject light through light guides 99 b to indicate the amount ofdiluent 14 remaining in the reservoir 22.

User input from the input controls 90 is used by the controller 80 todetermine an amount of concentrate/extract 12 to be mixed with thediluent 14. This can be done by varying the speed by which the diluent14 is dispensed by the control valve 18, and/or by controlling theelectromagnet 76 to vary the rate at which the pump device 41 pumps.Preferably, the diluent 14 is dispensed from the reservoir 22 bygravity, and the liquid concentrate/extract 12 is dispensed from thecartridge 50 at a rate which is dependent on the selected beveragestrength. The controller 80 preferably compensates for a decreasingreservoir diluent level (and the resultant decreasing diluent flow rate)by adjusting the rate at which the pump device 41 pumps. The adjustmentof the pumping rate of the pump device 41 can occur several times, forexample 8-10 times, during the dispensing of concentrate/extract 12 anddiluent 14 into a single beverage container. Alternatively, thedecreasing diluent level in the reservoir 22 can be compensated forduring dispensing by opening the control valve 18 wider or through theuse of a pump, and the liquid concentrate/extract 12 can be dispensedfrom the cartridge 50 at a constant rate which is dependent only on theselected beverage strength.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that various numbers ofdifferent preset beverage strengths can be utilized and selected, forexample through use of the input controls 90. Additionally, the beveragestrength could be continuously variable, based on a user control withselected ranges shown as preferred for different types of beverages.Alternatively, a switch can be provided to allow a user to signal to thecontroller 80 which type of beverage is installed so that the controller80 adjusts the amount of concentrate/extract 12 being dispensedaccordingly. Various methods are known for identify the type of beverageconcentrate/extract 12 that is in the cartridge 50, such as an affixedID. IDs that are automatically recognized by the controller 80 throughdifferent shape or different indicia located on the cartridge 50 areavailable, which can be read by a contact sensor 37 located in thereceiving area 31 when the cartridge 50 is installed. The ID 61 on thecartridge could also include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tagwhich communicates with the sensor 37, having an RFID reader, positionedas shown or anywhere in the receiving area 31. In one embodiment, the ID61 on the cartridge could include a barcode or computer readable symbolsreadable by a barcode reader or other visual-type reader positioned inthe receiving area 31. Alternatively, the ID 61 could include analignment pin for activating one of a plurality of switches to informthe controller 80 which type of beverage is installed. Alternatively,one or more functional components, for example the pump device 41, canbe shaped and/or sized to indicate a beverage type, the shape and/orsize of the functional component being able to be sensed by a sensor inthe cartridge receiving area 31.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, a container ID 11, for example an RFID,can be provided on the container 19 to be read by a sensor 13, forexample an RFID reader, in the dispensing area 30. The container ID 11preferably includes a user's beverage strength preference information.The beverage strength information can be preprogrammed or programmed bythe user through use of an ID writer 15, for example an RFID writer inthe dispensing area 30, and using the input controls 90 to indicate auser's beverage strength preference.

The controller 80 preferably records an amount of pumping cyclesperformed by the pump device 41 to determine the amount ofconcentrate/extract 12 dispensed. Accordingly, the controller 80 signalsthe LEDs 97 a to indicate an amount of concentrate/extract 12 remainingin the cartridge 50. Further, the controller 80 preferably usesinformation received from the stack pipe 88 to signal the LEDs 99 a toindicate a level of diluent 14 remaining in the reservoir 22.

Referring to FIGS. 14-15, a second embodiment of a cartridge 150 withpump device 141 for use in a dispenser according to a second preferredembodiment of the present invention is shown. The second liquid/extractcartridge 150 dispenses a liquid extract in a dispensing area in asimilar manner to the first cartridge 50. The dispenser has a cartridgereceiving area 131 with an actuator 138 which is able to actuate thepump device 141 after insertion of the liquid extract cartridge 150. Themethod of actuation, however, differs from the first dispenser in thatthe actuator 138 has an electromagnet with a wound coil 176 for actingon a piston 157 locating inside the pumping device 141.

The pump device 141 preferably includes a dispensing tube 154, having anexit orifice 173 through an attached nozzle cap 162. The dispensing tube154 is preferably sealably connected to the hollow body 151 in anysuitable manner.

The pump device 141 includes a valve seat 167 connected to thedispensing tube 154. Preferably, the valve seat 167 is integrally formedwith the dispensing tube 154. The valve seat 167 includes a port 183 forpassing a flow of fluid concentrate/extract 12 through the dispensingtube 154. A valve stem 163 is connected to, and preferably integrallyformed with, a valve body 164 forming a valve 160 for alternatelycovering and uncovering the port 183 in the valve seat 167. A piston 157is connected to the valve stem 163 opposite the valve body 164 inslideable contact with or slightly spaced apart from the interiorsurface of the dispensing tube 154 for forcing the concentrate/extract12 through the port 183. An annular gap 184 between the piston 157 andthe dispensing tube 154 permits passing of a flow of the liquidconcentrate/extract 12 from the hollow body 151 into the chamber formedbetween the valve seat 167 and the piston 157. The gap 184 preferablyhas a depth which is at least double its width to provide flowresistance at high piston velocities. An aperture 174 in the piston 157permits assembly of the piston 157 with the valve stem 163. A spring 165is disposed between the piston 157 and the valve seat 167 to maintainthe valve body 164 in contact with the valve seat 167 and prevent a flowof fluid through the valve port 183. The piston 157 is formed of aferromagnetic material, such as carbon steel, ferromagnetic stainlesssteel or iron, to permit actuation by a dispensing actuator 138, and canbe coated with a food grade polymeric material. Preferably, thedispensing tube 154 and valve seat 167 are formed of a polymer material.The valve 160 and spring 165 are each preferably formed of a suitablenon-ferromagnetic material, for example a polymer material ornon-ferromagnetic stainless steel.

The orifice 173 of the attached nozzle cap 162 is preferably sized topermit a flow of concentrate/extract to be partially or completelyatomized upon exit from the dispensing tube 154. The atomization of thefluid concentrate/extract 12 allows a more complete mixture ofconcentrate/extract 12 and diluent 14, preventing striping and assuringthe mixture delivered to the dispensing area 30 is generally uniform andhomogeneous.

The cartridge 150 dispenses the liquid concentrate/extract 112 asfollows. Current is induced in the wound coil 176 by an applied voltageover the coil 176 as provided by the controller 80, causing the piston157 to be drawn toward the electromagnetic center of the dispensingactuator 138 and against the valve seat 167. The valve body 164, whichis fixed to the piston 157, follows in a downward motion with the piston157 and is displaced from the port 183 in the valve seat 167. During thedownward motion of the piston 157, liquid concentrate/extract 12 locatedbetween the piston 157 and the valve seat 167 is forced through the port183, as it is uncovered by the valve body 164, and out through the exitorifice 173, while at the same time, fluid concentrate/extract 12 fromthe hollow body 51 is drawn into the area above the piston 157 in thedispensing tube 154. As described above, the hollow body 51 ispreferably collapsible and collapses to facilitate the extraction offluid concentrate/extract 12 from the hollow body. Next, the controller80 cuts off voltage to the actuator 138, causing the piston 157 to moveupwardly away from the valve seat 167 by force of the spring 165. Duringupward motion of the piston 157, fluid concentrate/extract flows fromthe area above the piston 157 through the annular gap 140 into an areabetween the piston 157 and the valve seat 167. A voltage, such as thepreferred 24 volts direct current producing voltage, or other suitableAC or DC producing voltage, is cycled on and off to provide anintermittent current for repeating the above-described processcontinuously until a desired amount of the liquid concentrate/extract 12is dispensed.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, a third embodiment of a cartridge 250 witha pump device 241 for use in a dispenser according to a third preferredembodiment of the present invention is shown. The pump device 241functions in a manner similar to the pump device 141 described above.The pump device 241 preferably includes a dispensing tube 254, having anexit orifice 273 through an attached nozzle cap 262. The dispensing tube254 is preferably sealably connected to the hollow body 251. In thisembodiment, the dispenser 10 includes an actuator 238 having anelectromagnet with a wound coil 276.

The pump device 241 includes a valve seat 267 connected to thedispensing tube 254 within a space defined by an interior surface of thedispensing tube 254. The valve seat 267 includes a port 283 for passinga flow of the fluid concentrate/extract 12 through the dispensing tube254. A valve stem 263 is connected to, and preferably integrally formedwith, a valve body 264 forming a valve 260 for alternately covering anduncovering the port 283 in the valve seat 267. A piston 257 is connectedto the valve stem 263 opposite the valve body 264 in slideable contactwith or slightly spaced apart from the interior surface of thedispensing tube 254 for forcing the concentrate/extract 12 through theport 283. An annular gap 284 between the piston 257 and the dispensingtube 254 and a through aperture 256 permit passing of a flow of theliquid concentrate/extract 12. Each of the gap 284 and the aperture 256preferably has a depth which is at least double their respective widthsto provide flow resistance at higher piston velocities. A spring 265 isdisposed between the piston 257 and the valve seat 267 to maintain thevalve body 264 in contact with the valve seat 267 and prevent a flow offluid through the valve port 283. The piston 257 is formed of aferromagnetic material to permit actuation by the actuator 238.Preferably, the valve seat 267 is also formed of a ferromagneticmaterial, and accordingly, functions as a pole piece such that when thewound coil is charged, magnetic flux generally perpendicular to a bottomsurface of the piston 257 is formed. Preferably, the dispensing tube 254is formed of a polymer material. The valve 260 and spring 265 are eachpreferably formed of a suitable non-ferromagnetic material, for examplea polymer material or non-ferromagnetic stainless steel.

Referring to FIGS. 18-21, a fourth embodiment of a cartridge 350 withpump device 341 for use in a dispenser according to a fourth preferredembodiment of the present invention is shown. The pump device 341preferably includes a dispensing tube 354, having an exit orifice 373. Atop cap 381 is preferably attached to an end of the dispensing tube, anda male locking connector 352 is attached to the top cap 381.

FIG. 21 shows an unassembled concentrate/extract cartridge 350 includingthe pump device 341 and a hollow body 351 in accordance with the fourthembodiment of the present invention. The male locking connector 352preferably includes a conical head 352 a, a circumferential groove 352b, cross passages 352 c, and a ring shaped groove 352 d for retaining asealing ring. The locking connector 352 is connectable to a femalemating connector 353 attached to the hollow body 351. The female matingconnector 353 includes a plug 353 a with a cavity 353 b. The plug 353 ais preferably removably or frangibly connected to a seat 353 c locatedat an end of a bore 353 e in a body 353 f. In use, the male connector352 is inserted into the bore 353 e of the female connector 353 suchthat the conical head 352 a of the male connector 352 enters the cavity353 b of the plug 353 a. By inserting the male connector 352, the plug353 a is disconnected from the seat 353 c allowing concentrate/extract12 to flow from the hollow body 351, past flexible bodies 353 d, throughthe cross passages 352 c through the body of the connector 352 and intothe dispensing tube 354.

The pump device 341 includes a valve seat 367 connected to thedispensing tube 354 within a space defined by an interior surface of thedispensing tube 354. The valve seat 367 includes a port 383 for passinga flow of fluid concentrate/extract 12 through the dispensing tube 354.A valve stem 363 is connected to, and preferably integrally formed with,a valve body 364 forming a valve 360 for alternately covering anduncovering the port 383 in the valve seat 367. A piston 357 is connectedto the valve stem 363 opposite the valve body 364 and is in slideablecontact with or slightly spaced apart from the interior surface of thedispensing tube 354 for forcing concentrate/extract 12 through the port383. Through apertures 356 in the piston 357 permit a flow of the liquidconcentrate/extract 12 to pass therethrough into a chamber formedbeneath the piston 357. A spring 365 is disposed between the piston 357and the valve seat 367 to maintain the valve body 364 in contact withthe valve seat 367 and prevent a flow of fluid through the valve port383.

Preferably, the valve seat 367 includes a first ferromagnetic materialring 385 encased in a first polymeric shell 386, and preferably thepiston 357 includes a second ferromagnetic material ring 387 encased ina second polymeric shell 389. Accordingly, the valve seat 367 functionsas a pole piece such that an actuator, for example the actuator 238 ofthe above-described third preferred embodiment, produces magnetic fluxgenerally perpendicular to a bottom surface of the piston 357. Theferromagnetic material which forms the rings 385, 387 can include carbonsteel, ferromagnetic stainless steel or iron. Preferably, the dispensingtube 354 is formed of a polymer material. The valve 360 and spring 365are each preferably formed of a suitable non-ferromagnetic material, forexample a polymer material or non-ferromagnetic stainless steel.

Functional efficiency of the concentrate/extract cartridge 350 of thefourth preferred embodiment (as well as the previously describedconcentrate/extract cartridges 50, 150, 250 of the first through thirdpreferred embodiments) is dependent in part on the proper sizing of therespective components therein, particularly components involved inpumping operations. Each of the apertures 356 in the piston 357preferably has a depth which is at least double its respective width toprovide flow resistance at higher piston velocities. More preferably,each of the apertures 356 has a depth which is 3 to 5 times itsrespective width. Preferably, a piston flow through area, correspondingto a flow area through the apertures 356 added to a flow area throughany annular gap between the outer perimeter of the piston 357 and theinterior surface of the dispensing tube 354, is between 20% and 40%percent of a housing flow area, corresponding to the cross-sectionalarea bound by the circular perimeter of the interior surface of thedispensing tube 354. Also, it is preferred that a port flow througharea, corresponding to the cross-sectional area through the port 383minus the cross-sectional area of the valve stem 363 at the port isbetween 2% and 4% percent of the housing flow area. Further, it ispreferred that an orifice flow through area, corresponding to a flowarea through the orifice 373 is between 5% and 20% of the housing flowarea, and more preferably in the range of 10% to 15%. Theconcentrate/extract cartridge 351 (as well as the cartridges of theother preferred embodiments described above) functions on the basis offairly complex fluid dynamic relations. Accordingly, the actualdimensions of the components of the pump device 341 necessarily varydependent on the type of concentrate/extract, and particularly theviscosity of the concentrate/extract, and the above-noted preferredrelations may be less suitable certain fluids or certain scales of thepump device 341.

A representative preferred example of the pump device 341 is dimensionedas follows. Preferably, the housing 354 has an inner diameter of between0.4 inch and 0.6 inch, and more preferably 0.52 inch. The piston 357preferably has an outer diameter of between 0.3 inch and 0.5 inch and alength of between 0.2 inch and 0.4 inch, and more preferably a diameterof 0.49 inch and a length of 0.31 inch. The apertures 356 preferablyhave diameters of between 0.06 inch and 0.09 inch, and more preferablyalternating diameters of 0.074 inch and 0.082 inch. The port 383preferably has a diameter of between 0.09 inch and 0.17 inch, and morepreferably a diameter of 0.13 inch. The orifice 373 preferably has adiameter of between 0.06 inch and 0.12 inch, and more preferably adiameter of 0.094 inch. The stem 363 preferably has a diameter at theport 383 of between 0.06 inch and 0.12 inch, and more preferably adiameter of 0.094 inch. The first ferromagnetic material ring 385preferably has a volume of between 0.015 and 0.035 cubic inches, andmore preferably has a volume of 0.026 cubic inches. The secondferromagnetic material ring 387 preferably has a volume of between 0.01and 0.03 cubic inches, and more preferably has a volume of 0.018 cubicinches. The spring 365 preferably has a spring rate of between 0.8 and1.2 pounds force per inch (lb/in). More preferably, the spring 365 has aspring rate of 0.99 pounds force per inch (lb/in), an outer diameter of0.203 inch, an inner diameter of 0.179 inch, a free length of 0.5 inch,a wire diameter of 0.012 inch and 5.75 total coils. Due to the factorsstated above, the preferred example may not be suitable for dispensingall fluid types, and components of the pump device 341 may havedimensions outside of the preferred ranges and still maintainfunctionality.

Referring to FIGS. 22-23, a fifth embodiment of a cartridge 450 withpump device 441 for use in the dispenser 10 according a fifth embodimentof the present invention is shown. The pump device 441 preferablyincludes a dispensing tube 454, having an exit orifice 473. A top flange481 is preferably attached to an end of the dispensing tube 454, and amale locking connector 452 is attached to the top flange 481. Dependingon the specific arrangement, the dispensing tube 454 can be formed inone piece or a plurality of pieces that are connected together.

FIG. 23 shows an unassembled concentrate/extract cartridge 450 includingthe pump device 441 and a hollow container 451. (For the sake ofclarity, pump device 441 is shown in FIG. 24 as a solid body. Details ofthe pump device 441 are illustrated in FIG. 22.) The male lockingconnector 452 preferably includes a conical head 452 a and crosspassages 452 c. The locking connector 452 is connectable to a femalemating connector 453 attached to the hollow body 451. The female matingconnector 453 includes a plug 453 a with a cavity 453 b. The plug 453 ais preferably removably or frangibly connected to a seat 453 c locatedat an end of a bore 453 e in a body 453 f. In use, the male connector452 is inserted into the bore 453 e of the female connector 453 suchthat the conical head 452 a of the male connector 452 enters the cavity453 b of the plug 453 a. By inserting the male connector 452, the plug453 a is disconnected from the seat 453 c allowing concentrate/extract12 to flow from the hollow body 451, past flexible bodies 453 d, throughthe cross passages 452 c through the body of the connector 452 and intothe dispensing tube 454.

The pump device 441 includes a valve seat 467 connected to thedispensing tube 454 within a space defined by an interior surface of thedispensing tube 454. The valve seat 467 includes a port 483 for passinga flow of fluid concentrate/extract 12 through the dispensing tube 454.A valve stem 463 is connected to, and preferably integrally formed with,a valve body 464 forming a valve 460 for alternately covering anduncovering the port 483 in the valve seat 467. The valve body 464includes an o-ring 486 to provide a seal when the valve body 464 is incontact with the valve seat 467. A piston 457 is connected to the valvestem 463 opposite the valve body 464 in slideable contact with orslightly spaced apart from the interior surface of the dispensing tube454 for forcing concentrate/extract 412 through the port 483. The piston457 comprises fins 457 a, and the voids 457 b between the fins 457 apermit passing of a flow of the liquid concentrate/extract 12. A spring465 is disposed between an expanded portion of the valve stem 463adjacent to the piston 457 and the valve seat 467 to maintain the valvebody 464 in contact with the valve seat 467 and prevent a flow of fluidthrough the valve port 483. The piston 457 further includes a membrane489 positioned above an upper end of the spring 465, which is at leastone of moveable and/or flexible to permit a flow of fluid into thedispensing tube 454 when the valve body 464 is in contact with the valveseat 467 and, conversely, to forcibly express fluid from the dispensingtube 454 through the orifice 473 when the piston 457 is actuated (i.e.,when the valve body 464 is not in contact with the valve seat 467) suchthat the fins 457 a drive the membrane 489 downwardly. As shown in FIG.22, in a preferred embodiment the spring 465 maintains the centerportion of the membrane 489 against the fins 457 a of the piston 457 andthe circumferential periphery flexes up and down with movement of thepiston 457 between open and closed positions. Alternatively, there maybe a space between the spring 465 and the membrane 489. In the positionshown in FIG. 22, the membrane 489 would shift downwardly allowing fluidto pass in the gap between the membrane 489 and ring 487 of the piston457. Upon actuation, the piston 457 drives downwardly so that themembrane 489 is pressed against the bottom of the ring 487 for betterpumping action.

The above described embodiments of the concentrate/extract cartridgesand their related dispensers include a number of functional advantagesover many of the known systems. The concentrate/extract cartridges 50,150, 250, 350 and 450 allow the dispensing of precise amounts ofconcentrate/extract consistent and reproducible results. The cartridges50, 150, 250, 350 and 450 include inexpensive components which allowthem to be disposable in certain applications. The dispenser 10 can beadapted to use the actuator 138, 238 and use the cartridges 150, 250,350, 450 and dispense a variety of other viscous fluids, besides theaforementioned hot coffee, tea and/or chocolate, or other beverageflavors, baby formula, fluid condiments, fluid medicine, detergents andlaundry or cleaning additives and endless other food and non-foodproducts. Also, the dispenser 10, if desired, could dispense viscousfluids into a container alone, without a diluent, for viscous fluidswhich do not require dilution. Further, the dispenser 10 could beincorporated into a multitude of other dispensing devices, for example,replaceable bottle office-style hot/cold water dispensers, and home andcommercial refrigerators.

FIGS. 24 and 25 show the cartridge 350 with the pumping device 341inserted in an accompanying cartridge receiving area 331 of a directdispenser 310 in accordance with the sixth preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. This embodiment of the invention is capable of beinginstalled into existing types of liquid mixing or dispensing systems tofulfill various regulated dispensing applications. In this embodiment, aloading door 332 is pivotably mounted to the dispenser 310 at a bottomportion of the loading door 332, similar to the loading door 32described above. FIG. 25 shows the loading door 332 in an open positionin which the concentrate/extract cartridge 350, preferably having an ID361, can be loaded into the cartridge receiving area 331 with its pumpdevice 341 being received in an actuator 338.

A separate controller or the controller of the existing equipment isprovided to signal the actuator 338 with alternating or direct currentin the same manner as discussed above in connection with the controller80 to dispense liquid from the cartridge 350. FIG. 25 shows the door 332in a closed position in which a retaining plate 333 rigidly attached tothe door 332 contacts, or alternatively, resides in close proximity to atop portion of the pumping device 341 to retain the cartridge 350 inposition. This configuration prevents the door from being closed whenthe concentrate/extract cartridge 350 is not properly positioned in thecartridge receiving area 331.

According to another embodiment of the dispenser for use with aconcentrate extract cartridge 150, the dispensing actuator similar toactuator 138 is fixed within the cartridge receiving area 331. Thedispensing actuator includes an electromagnet which preferably comprisesa magnetic flux focusing ring and a pole piece 179, both made offerromagnetic material, and a wound coil, which are same as those in theactuator 138. The electromagnet receives current, such as alternating ordirect current, from the controller. In the preferred embodiment, thecontroller intermittently provides 24 volts over the coil to producecurrents which induce an intermittent magnetic field.

The direct dispenser 310 can easily be modified for use with any of thedifferent types of cartridges 50, 150, 250, 350, 450 described above byuse of the associated actuator.

Referring to FIGS. 26-27, a dishwasher 500 according to a seventhpreferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The dishwasher500 includes a liquid detergent dispenser 510, similar to the directdispenser 310, adapted to dispense metered amounts of concentratedliquid detergent 512 from a cleaning agent cartridge 550. Alternatively,the cleaning agent cartridge 550 can include other cleaning agents, forexample anti-spotting agents. The cleaning agent cartridge 550 issimilar to any one of the concentrate/extract cartridges 50, 150, 250,350 and 450 described above in the previous preferred embodiments.

The dishwasher 500 includes a main door 502 for access to a dishcontainment area 504. The dispenser 510 is preferably located in themain door 502, and includes a dispenser door 532 which opens into acartridge receiving area 531 having an actuator 538 similar to theactuators 38, 138 described above. Alternatively, the dispenser 510could be located in another position in the dishwasher 500, or couldallow insertion from outside the dishwasher door 502. The cleaning agentcartridge 550, when loaded into the receiving area 531, is controlled bythe actuator 538 to dispense liquid detergent 512 or another suitablecleaning agent into the dish containment area 504 during a wash cycle ofthe dishwasher 500. Preferably, a controller 580 controls an amount ofliquid detergent 512 dispensed by the actuator 538, as well as timing ofthe dispensing, depending on a type of selected wash cycle. This canalso be adjusted based on a sensor detecting the cleanliness of thearticles that are washed so that additional detergent could be dispensedif needed.

Referring to FIGS. 29-31, a clothes washer 600 according to an eighthembodiment of the present invention is shown. The clothes washer 600includes a liquid laundry chemical dispenser 610, similar to the directdispenser 310, adapted to dispense metered amounts of concentratedlaundry chemicals 612 from laundry chemical cartridges 650. The laundrychemicals 612 can include detergent, fabric softener, bleach, waterconditioner or any suitable laundry product. The laundry chemicalcartridges 650 are similar to the cartridges 50, 150, 250, 350, 450 and550 described above in the previous preferred embodiments.

The clothes washer 600 includes a main door 602 for access to a washarea 604. The dispenser 610 includes a loading door 632 which opens intoa cartridge receiving area 631 having a plurality of actuators 638, eachsimilar to the actuator 38, 138 described above in the first preferredembodiment, positioned therein. Each of the actuators 638 is adapted tocontrol one of the cartridges 650, which are removably positioned in thereceiving area 631. Alternatively, a single actuator 638 can beprovided, and the cartridges 650 can be selectively positioned inproximity to the single actuator 638, for example using a mechanism suchas the carousel 902 describes below. The laundry chemical cartridges650, when loaded in the receiving area 631, are selectively controlledby the actuators 638 to dispense laundry chemicals 612 into the washarea 604 during a wash cycle of the clothes washer 600. Preferably, acontroller 680 controls an amount of laundry chemicals 612 dispensed bythe actuators 638, as well as timing of the dispensing, depending on aselected wash cycle. Additionally, sensors can be provided to determinethe level of cleanliness during washing, and additional detergent can beadded, as required, by the controller 680.

An ID 661 is preferably provided on each of the cartridges 650 toindicate what type of laundry chemical 612 is in each of the cartridges650. The controller 680 preferably uses the information contained by theIDs 661 as well as information received by user inputs entered on acontrol panel 690 to dispense laundry chemicals 612 in appropriateamounts at appropriate times during a wash cycle. Preferably, thecontroller 680 determines the amount of laundry chemical 612 dispensedfrom each cartridge 650 by counting a number of cycles of the actuator638 and signals the control panel 690 to notify a user when one or moreof the cartridges 650 are nearly empty.

Referring to FIGS. 32 and 33, a medicine dispenser 710 according to aninth preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Themedicine dispenser 710 is similar to the dispense 310 and is adapted todispense metered amounts of liquid medicine 712 from a medicinecartridge 750. The medicine 712 can include prescription orover-the-counter type medications for treating a variety of ailments.The medicine cartridge 750 is similar to the cartridges 50, 150, 250,350, 450, 550 and 650 described above in the previous preferredembodiments.

The dispenser 710 includes a receiving area 731 having an actuator 738similar to the actuator 38 described above in the first preferredembodiment. The medicine cartridge 750, when loaded in the receivingarea 731, is controlled by the actuator 738 to dispense liquid medicine712 into a container receiving area 730 where a medicine dosingcontainer 719 receives the dispensed medicine 712.

Preferably, a controller 780 controls an amount of medicine 712dispensed by the actuator 738. A unique ID 761 is preferably provided oneach the cartridges 750 to indicate what type of medicine 712 is in thecartridge 750. Preferably, the ID 761 contains data which instructs thecontroller 780 to prompt a user with a display 792 to enter personalinformation using buttons 793 on a control panel 790. Entered personalinformation can include a user's age, weight, and height. The ID 761 canalso contain data which instructs the controller 780 to prompt the userto enter information concerning the user's allergies or other drugsbeing taken by the user, to allow the controller to warn the user ofpotential side effects and adverse drug interactions. The controller 780preferably uses a user's personal information along with informationcontained by the ID 761 to dispense an appropriate amount of medicine712.

The controller 780 preferably determines the amount of medicine 712dispensed from the cartridge 750 by counting a number of cycles of theactuator 738 and signals the control panel to notify a user when thecartridge 750 is nearly empty. The controller 780 can store in a memoryinformation regarding the amount of medicine left in a plurality ofdifferent cartridges 750, associating each of the cartridges 750 withits unique ID 761, so the cartridges 750 can be rotated in and out ofthe dispenser 710 without affecting the stored memory.

Referring now to FIGS. 34 and 35, a liquid dispenser 810 adapted todispense a mixture comprising a baby formula liquid concentrate/extract(designated by arrows 12 in a dispensing area 830) and a diluent (in areservoir 822 and designated by arrows 14) according to a tenthpreferred embodiment of the present invention is provided. The dispenser810 functions in a manner similar to the dispenser 10 described above.The dispenser 810 utilizes a concentrate/extract cartridge 850 which ispreferably similar to one of the concentrate/extract cartridgesdescribed above in the previous embodiments. Preferably, the dispenser810 includes a user programmable temperature control for the diluent, sothat baby formula is dispensed at a desired temperature, as well as at adesired predetermined strength.

Referring to FIGS. 36 and 38, a home appliance, preferably arefrigerator 900, according to an eleventh preferred embodiment of thepresent invention is shown. The refrigerator 900 includes a beveragedispenser 910 adapted to dispense a beverage comprising a liquidconcentrate/extract (designated by arrows 12 in a dispensing area 930)and a diluent (designated by arrows 14). The dispenser 910 functions ina manner similar to the above discussed dispenser 10 and utilizes aconcentrate/extract cartridge 950 which is preferably similar to one ofthe concentrate/extract cartridges 50, 150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650,750, 850. The refrigerator 900 preferably includes a supply line 916connected to a home water line for providing a source of diluent 14,such as cold water, to the dispenser 910. Preferably, the supply line916 preferably extends through a chiller 970, and a heater 972 canoptionally be provided. Valves 974, 976 therefore allow a user toselectively dispense hot or cold diluent 14 to the dispensing area 330based on inputs from a controller 980.

The dispenser 910 can also include a cartridge carousel 902, as shown inFIG. 37, for storing multiple cartridges 950, and selectively rotatingthe cartridges 950 in and out of a cartridge receiving area 931 whereconcentrate/extract 12 from the cartridges 950 can be dispensed. Userinput controls 390, are provided to signal the controller 980 to rotatethe carousel 902 to dispense a concentrate or extract from a desired oneof the cartridges 950. Controls 990 are also preferably used to vary thestrength of the beverage and to choose whether hot or cold diluent 14 isto be mixed with the concentrate/extract 12 from the chosen cartridge950. Input controls 990 are preferably used to enter preferred beverageproperties when a particular one of the cartridges 950 is first loadedonto the carousel 902, such that the controller 980 dispenses a beveragewith preferred properties associated with the particular cartridge 950each time that the particular cartridge 950 is selected and positionedin the receiving area 931 by the carousel 902. Preferably, an ID 961 isprovided on each of the cartridges 950 to indicate the type of beverageconcentrate/extract 12 that is in each of the cartridges 950. Thecontroller 980 preferably uses the information contained by the ID 961as well as information received by user inputs to dispenseconcentrate/extract 12 and hot or cold diluent 14 in appropriateproportions. Visual indicators such as digital displays 992 indicate aselected beverage type and/or selected beverage preferences.

Referring to FIGS. 39-40, a bottle-fed beverage dispenser 1010 accordingto a twelfth preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Thedispenser 1010 is adapted to dispense a beverage comprising a liquidconcentrate/extract (designated by arrows 12 in a dispensing area 1030)and a diluent (designated by arrows 14). The dispenser 1010 functions ina manner similar to the dispenser 10 and utilizes a concentrate/extractcartridge 1050 which is preferably similar to any of theconcentrate/extract cartridges discussed above. A supply of diluent 14is held in a replaceable bottle 1022 of the type typically used in knownbottle-fed water dispensers.

The above described preferred embodiments of the present inventioninclude a number of functional advantages over many of the knowndispensing systems. The concentrate/extract cartridges 50, 150, 250,350, 450, 550, 650, 750, 850, 950, and 1050 allow the dispensing ofprecise amounts of liquid with consistent and reproducible results. Thecartridges 50, 150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650, 750, 850, 950, and 1050include inexpensive components which allow them to be disposable incertain applications. The dispensers 10, 310, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910and 1010 can be adapted to hold and dispense a variety of viscous fluidsbesides those mentioned.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described indetail above, the invention is not limited to the specific embodimentsdescribed which should be considered as merely exemplary. Furthermodifications and extensions of the present invention may be developedand all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of thepresent invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. An appliance including a dispenser for a liquid and comprising: ahousing including a dispensing area for dispensing a fluid; a cartridgereceiving area in the housing; an electromagnetic dispensing actuatorlocated in the housing; a concentrate/extract cartridge removablyinsertable into the cartridge receiving area in a position to beactuated by the dispensing actuator, the concentrate/extract cartridgeadapted to hold a fluid to be dispensed into the dispensing area afterplacement into the cartridge receiving area, the concentrate/extractcartridge comprising: a hollow body adapted to contain the fluid to bedispensed; a dispensing tube connected to the hollow body; a pistonlocated in the dispensing tube; and a valve having a first end connectedto the piston or extending through an opening in the piston, a valvestem that passes through a port of a valve seat connected to thedispensing tube, the port defining a flow passage through the dispensingtube, and a valve body located at a second end of the valve stem inremovable contact with the valve seat, for alternately opening andclosing the port; and a controller located in the housing to control theactuator to discharge the fluid to be dispensed from the cartridge:wherein the piston has a piston flow through area, corresponding to aflow area of through apertures in the piston added to a flow areathrough an annular gap between the outer perimeter of the piston and aninterior surface of the dispensing tube, of between 20% to 40% of a flowarea defined by the interior surface of the dispensing tube, and thethrough apertures have a depth which is three to five times theirrespective width.
 2. An appliance according to claim 1, wherein thevalve stem is connected to the piston at the first end of the valvestem, the piston includes a membrane configured to permit a flow offluid into the dispensing tube when the valve body is in contact withthe valve seat and to forcibly express the fluid from the dispensingtube when the piston is moved downwardly and the valve body is movedfrom a contact position with the valve seat.
 3. The appliance of claim2, wherein the piston comprises ferromagnetic material.
 4. The applianceof claim 2, wherein the valve seat comprises ferromagnetic material. 5.The appliance of claim 4, further comprising a joining tube connected tothe diluent supply line and removably connected to the dispensing tubeof the concentrate/extract cartridge, wherein the diluent supply line ispositioned to deliver a stream of diluent into the joining tubegenerally perpendicular to a stream of concentrate/extract deliveredinto the joining tube by the dispensing tube.
 6. The appliance of claim1, wherein the valve body comprises an o-ring to provide a seal with thevalve seat when the valve body is closed.
 7. The appliance of claim 1,further comprising a diluent supply line connected to at least one of apump and a control valve for delivering a stream of diluent with thefluid, wherein the dispensing tube of the concentrate/extract cartridgeis positioned to deliver a stream of the fluid into the stream of thediluent.
 8. The appliance of claim 1, wherein an exit orifice of thedispensing tube is sized between 0.04 inch and 0.12 inch in diameter,whereby a flow of concentrate/extract exiting the dispensing tube issubstantially atomized.
 9. The appliance of claim 8, wherein thecontroller controls other appliance functions, such as temperature. 10.The appliance of claim 1, wherein the piston comprises a ferromagneticelement and wherein the actuator comprises: a wound coil for producing amagnetic flux; a focusing ring made of a ferromagnetic materialconnected to the coil in proximity to the dispensing tube; and a polepiece made of a ferromagnetic material connected to the coil inproximity to the dispensing tube spaced from the focusing ring.
 11. Theappliance of claim 1, wherein the dispensing actuator includes anaperture for removably receiving the dispensing tube of theconcentrate/extract cartridge, and the beverage dispenser furthercomprises a loading door which includes a retaining plate, the loadingdoor being pivotably attached to the housing, wherein in a closedposition of the loading door, the retaining plate holds the dispensingtube within the aperture in the actuator to retain theconcentrate/extract cartridge in the housing, and wherein in an openposition of the loading door, the concentrate/extract cartridge isremovable from the housing.
 12. The appliance of claim 1, wherein thedispensing tube includes a top and bottom flexing member, and the pistonis connected to an intermediate portion of the dispensing tube betweenthe top and bottom flexing members, the valve stem extends through anopening in the piston and the valve seat is located on a side of thepiston facing the valve body, the piston being moveable up and downthrough flexing of the top and bottom flexing members.
 13. The applianceof claim 1, wherein the appliance is a refrigerator or a water cooler,and the dispensing tube is directed toward a water outlet, thecontroller controls the dispensing actuator such that the fluid from theconcentrate/extract cartridge is dispensed as the water is dispensedfrom the appliance.
 14. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the applianceis a dish washer or a washing machine, and the controller controls thewashing cycle and the dispensing of a predetermined or programmableamount of fluid from the cartridge in accordance with a predeterminedtime in the washing cycle.
 15. The appliance of claim 1, wherein theappliance is a baby formula dispenser, and the controller controls anamount of the fluid being dispensed from the cartridge, and atemperature of baby formula dispensed.
 16. The appliance of claim 1,wherein the appliance is a medicine dispenser, and the controllercontrols an amount of medicine dispensed based on input parameters. 17.The appliance of claim 1, wherein the appliance is selected from thegroup consisting of a refrigerator, a water cooler, a dish washer, awashing machine, a baby formula dispenser and a medicine dispenser. 18.A concentrate/extract cartridge for a fluid dispenser adapted todispense a fluid, the cartridge comprising: a hollow body; a dispensingtube connected to the hollow body; a piston slideably contained by aninterior surface of the dispensing tube; and a valve having a first endconnected to the piston or extending through an opening in the piston, avalve stem that passes through a port of a valve seat connected to thedispensing tube, the port defining a flow passage through the dispensingtube, the valve stem being connected to the piston at a first end of thevalve stem, and a valve body located at a second end of the valve stemin removable contact with the valve seat, for alternately opening andclosing the port, the piston includes a membrane configured to permit aflow of fluid into the dispensing tube when the valve body is in contactwith the valve seat and to forcibly express fluid from the dispensingtube when the piston is moved downwardly and the valve body is movedfrom a contact position with the valve seat; wherein the piston has apiston flow through area, corresponding to a flow area of throughapertures in the piston added to a flow area through an annular gapbetween the outer perimeter of the piston and an interior surface of thedispensing tube, of between 20% to 40% of a flow area defined by theinterior surface of the dispensing tube, and the through apertures havea depth which is three to five times their respective width.
 19. Theconcentrate/extract cartridge of claim 18, further comprising an exitorifice at an end of the dispensing tube that is sized between 0.06 inchand 0.12 inch in diameter, whereby a flow of fluid exiting thedispensing tube is substantially atomized.
 20. The concentrate/extractcartridge of claim 18, further comprising the piston including apertureshaving depths which are at least double the respective widths thereof.21. The concentrate/extract cartridge of claim 18, further comprisingthe piston including apertures having diameters between 0.06 inch and0.09 inch.
 22. The concentrate/extract cartridge of claim 18, furthercomprising the piston including apertures having alternating diametersof 0.074 inch and 0.082 inch.
 23. The concentrate/extract cartridge ofclaim 18, further comprising the valve stem having a diameter at theport of between 0.06 inch and 0.12 inch.
 24. The concentrate/extractcartridge of claim 18, further comprising a port flow through area,corresponding to a cross-sectional area through the port minus across-sectional area of the valve stem at the port that is between 2%and 4% of a flow area defined by the dispensing tube.
 25. Aconcentrate/extract cartridge for a fluid dispenser adapted to dispensea fluid, the cartridge comprising: a hollow body; a dispensing tubeconnected to the hollow body, the dispensing tube includes a top andbottom flexing member, and a piston is connected to an intermediateportion of the dispensing tube between the top and bottom flexingmembers; and a valve having a valve stem that passes through a port of avalve seat formed in the piston, the port defining a flow passagethrough the dispensing tube, a valve body located at a second end of thevalve stem in removable contact with the valve seat, for alternatelyopening and closing the port, the valve stem extends through an openingin the piston and the valve seat is located on a side of the pistonfacing the valve body, the piston being moveable up and down throughflexing of the top and bottom flexing members; wherein the piston has apiston flow through area, corresponding to a flow area of throughapertures in the piston added to a flow area through an annular gapbetween the outer perimeter of the piston and an interior surface of thedispensing tube, of between 20% to 40% of a flow area defined by theinterior surface of the dispensing tube, and the through apertures havea depth which is three to five times their respective width.